An Off-Label Use of a Tensioned Proximal Humerus Plate for Tibiotalar Fusion: A Case Report

A 70-year-old man presented with a left pilon fracture after a 10-foot fall from a ladder. The severe amount of comminution, joint destruction, and impaction from this injury eventually resulted in a tibiotalar fusion. Owing to multiple tibiotalar fusion plates not being long enough to span the extent of the fracture, a tensioned proximal humerus plate was used as an alternative.

We do not endorse the off-label use of a tensioned proximal humerus plate for all tibiotalar fusions; however, we do believe that this is a useful technique in certain situations with large zones of distal tibial comminution.